Microstructural study of keyhole TIG welded nickel-based superalloy G27

Abstract

The weld fusion zone (FZ) microstructure obtained after keyhole tungsten inert gas welding and post-weld solution heat treatments (PWSHTs) of a new nickel (Ni)-based superalloy called G27 is studied, and the grain growth behavior in the base material (BM) during PWSHTs is characterized. Microsegregation-induced interdendritic microconstituents in the FZ of as-welded G27 are identified by analytical (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) as niobium (Nb)-rich MC carbides, Nb-rich Laves eutectic constituents, γ’ and η phases. The Laves eutectics are generally considered brittle and can adversely affect the mechanical properties of the weldment; thus, an hour PWSHTs were performed at 954 °C–1060 °C to eliminate the γ/Laves eutectics. PWSHT up to 1010 °C results in only partial removal of Laves eutectics with an excessive formation of η phase surrounding the Laves phase. Complete dissolution of Laves eutectics with no η phase formation is achieved after a PWSHT is performed at 1060 °C. Relative to INCONEL® alloy 718, the complete elimination of the γ/Laves eutectic constituents in the FZ of G27 through a PWSHT was proven to be achieved without causing excessive grain growth in the BM, which could be due to the pinning effect of the fine molybdenum (Mo)-rich precipitates, that are formed during solution heat treatment and identified as hexagonal close-packed phase particles through extensive (S)TEM analyses.